Well gang, while we’re up north, I’ll show you a couple of places referenced in Scripture: Caesarea Philippi and Tel Dan.

Not to be confused with Caesarea by the Sea (which we visited previously), Caesarea Philippi took its name in honor of the Roman emperor, Caesar.  However, Herod’s son, Philip, was governor of the region in Jesus’ day and attached his name to the city as a way of distinguishing it from other cities named for Caesar.

Originally, however, this place was called Panias, after the Greek god, Pan.  Arabs, though, do not have a letter P in their alphabet, so it became “Banias” during Muslim rule, and is also known as that today.

Regardless of what you call it, history reveals this to be a very pagan city with rampant idol worship.  To this day, niches where idols were displayed are still found in the stone face of this rock wall.

 

Just a few feet away is a cave which was known as “the gates of hell,” as the idol worshipers believed that evil spirits came and went from hell through this “gate.”

 

It was here that Peter confessed the deity of Christ…

Matthew 16:13-18:  Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades [emphasis mine] will not overpower it.

Wow…nothing like an object lesson!

Though Caesarea was the northern-most point of Jesus’ ministry recorded in Scripture, we know that Tel Dan (aka Penuel) also became a center of idol worship during the era of the Divided Kingdom.  Jeroboam set up golden calves in Dan, so that those in the northern tribes, whom he ruled, would not go to Jerusalem to worship.  (1 Kings 12:26-33)  Much of the site has been excavated and here is the site of a temple, as well as a re-built frame of the altar to provide perspective.

 

This is a nature preserve and the surrounding area is beautiful.  It is also thought that David likely wrote a few psalms in this area.  Below is a section of the Dan River, one of the three tributaries that flow into the Jordan River.  (“Jordan” actually means “down from Dan.”)

 

 

Finally, history indicates that Abram traversed this area after God called him out of Ur of the Chaldeans to make his way to Canaan.  Archaeologists have uncovered the city walls that likely stood in Abraham’s day, and this could be the gate in which he entered the city!

 

Hopefully this virtual tour gives you insight into the Biblical accounts in Scripture!  Stay tuned for more!  Thanks for stopping by!